Bobby Brazier's nan brings photo of late daughter Jade Goody to Strictly tour

11 February 2024 , 09:02

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Jackiey wanted Jade to 'watch him too'

Jackiey Budden has revealed she kept a photo of her late TV star daughter Jade Goody with her as she sat watching grandson Bobby Brazier perform on his Strictly tour.

The 20-year-old EastEnders actor has been dazzling on the dancefloor in recent weeks, taking part in the tour alongside fellow stars of the BBC show including winner Ellie Leach and Layton Williams. The young lad has received the support of family and friends during his performances in major arenas across the country. One particular loved one who has been watching Bobby shine on stage is his nan Jackiey.

The 67-year-old shared that she is extremely proud of Bobby's achievement and stood in the audience to watch him during his tour. In a poignant interview, Jackiey revealed that she felt it was important to bring her late daughter Jade for the experience so she "could watch him too".

Speaking to she said: "I travelled to Newcastle so I could be as close to him as possible. I took a photo of Jade with me so she could watch him, too. It was important to me that she was there as well. I sat near the front, around some big fans of Bobby's. One got his attention and Bobby saw me. He knew I was there and that's all I needed to know.

Bobby Brazier and his dance partner Dianne Buswell (PA)

Jackiey Budden carried a picture of Jade with her (Getty Images)

Back in December, Jackeiy revealed she'd been snubbed from the Strictly dance floor due to a long-running feud with Jeff Brazier, Bobby's father. Her tumultuous relationship with Jeff meant she missed out on seeing Bobby perform live.

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Left heartbroken, she told the Sun on Sunday: "Unfortunately I haven’t seen Bobby live. I would have loved to, but it’s just one of those things. I’ve been supporting him from home, watching every moment."

Jeff has solely been looking after both Bobby and Freddie since Jade's tragic death in 2009 after she lost her battle with cervical cancer. Soon after, following a series of arguments, Jackiey has not been able to rebuild her relationship with Jeff.

Those close to the family told the Mail: "Jeff and Jackiey haven't got on for a long time and it has been hard. It has meant that Jackiey hasn't been able to be in the audience to watch Bobby, things are just too bad between her and his father. He and his brother Freddie are her only grandchildren and she adores them, there is nothing she would love more than to be there to watch him live."

Bobby, who was a finalist on Strictly, is set to perform for the last time on his Strictly journey on Sunday amid his rumoured romance with Corrie star Ellie Leach.

Ayaan Ali